Recent news that Chinese rural dogs are banned in certain areas of Xi'an, Shaanxi province has sparked heated debate online and topped trending lists on Chinese social media platforms.
The controversy began when a photo circulated online, purportedly issued by a dog management office of Xi'an Public Security Bureau, listing "Prohibited Aggressive and Large Dog Breeds in Key Restricted Areas". The inclusion of the ubiquitous Chinese rural dog, often known as the native tugou or village dog, surprised many netizens, who expressed confusion and disapproval online.
Following the uproar online, a staff member from the dog management office of Beilin District Public Security Bureau responded that dog management adheres strictly to Xi'an City Dog Restriction Regulations.
The official stated that Chinese rural dogs have consistently been on the prohibited list within the city's restricted zones. The criteria of the ban includes a shoulder height that exceeds 50 centimeters, which also places breeds like Samoyeds on the banned list.
However, further clarification came from the dog management office of Lianhu District Public Security Bureau. Staff there told Jimu News that not all Chinese rural dogs are automatically banned for personal ownership. They explained that the prohibition specifically targets Chinese rural dogs "containing bloodlines of banned aggressive breeds". Dogs identified as Chinese rural dogs without such prohibited lineage are eligible for licensing.
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